Milford Falls to Smyrna 28-0 on Cold, Blustery Night

The Milford Buccaneers football team lost to Henlopen Conference rival Smyrna 28-0 Friday night on the Eagles home turf.

Joe Backerjoe.backer@doverpost.com

The Milford Buccaneers football team took it on the chin after falling to Henlopen Conference rival Smyrna 28-0 Friday night on the Eagles home turf.
Milford coach Mike Tkach said he was disappointed for his team after taking a tough loss on the blustery evening.
“I think you saw mirrored teams coming in tonight, both with 3-5 records, but I was disappointed how our kids played this game. We need to regroup because we have a rivalry game on Saturday against Lake Forest, and hopefully we can go over there and play the spoiler role and have our boys ready,” he said.
Smyrna juniors TeQuan Boyer and Maurice McFolling-Nichols each scored two touchdowns for the Eagles, who's record improved to 4-5, with one game remaining Friday night on the road against Cape Henlopen.
Smyrna opened the scoring on a 73-yard run down the left sideline by Boyer following a Milford punt.
Andrew Gilbert's first of four conversions made the score 7-0 at 4:37 of the first period. The Eagles had another opportunity to score in the period, but Gilbert's 42-yard field goal attempt hit the crossbar. The team then doubled their lead at 9:26 of the second quarter when McFolling scampered 58 yards for a touchdown on a second down and seven yards to go situation.
Throughout the contest, and especially during the second half, Smyrna's defense held strong, limiting the Buccaneers scoring opportunities.
McFolling scored his second touchdown of the night in spectacular fashion, racing 84 yards with a punt return with 3:28 left in the third quarter.
“That was definitely a big momentum shift for us offensively, and it also boosted our defense tonight,” said Smyrna coach Clay Lloyd.
Boyer then put the finishing touches with a 25-yard run late in the fourth quarter to ice the victory on the cold and windy evening.
Tkach said he felt the conditions with the cold and wind did affect his team's passing and kicking games.
“This was one of those screwy weeks, but it was the same for them, with only two days of practice due to the hurricane. Coach Lloyd did a good job of getting them prepared for this game, so we need to bounce back and play better against Lake Forest,” said Tkach.